Leslie Cecilia Taylor

Leslie C. Taylor, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on August 3, 2024, just days shy of her 65th birthday. Born on August 14, 1959, in San Francisco, CA, Leslie was the cherished child of her parents, Lionel and Mary Lee Fuqua, and grew up alongside her three brothers, Daryck, Brian, and Terry Fuqua, creating memories in the vibrant city she called home.

 Leslie was a proud graduate of St. Paul Catholic School in San Francisco, where she laid the foundation for a compassionate and nurturing spirit that would define her life. On February 14, 1982, she married her soulmate, Van Wm. Taylor, Sr. With a loving marriage that flourished for over 42 years, their love story is a testament to enduring partnership and affection.

 With true devotion to her husband and family, the family moved to Robertson (St. Louis County), Missouri in 1988. While residing there, Leslie made a life-changing decision to rededicate her life to Christ and was baptized under the pastorage of the late Rev. Robert S. Johnson at the First Missionary Baptist Church of Robertson. Leslie remained a member of the church until the birth of her daughter Celeste-June Taylor and returned to Sacramento, CA.

 Upon arriving in Sacramento, Leslie then joined St. Paul Baptist Church and remained a member until her passing.

 In her career, Leslie showed dedication and hard work in various positions, including claims officer at HealthNet, receptionist at the John Virga Law Firm, and multiple executive administration roles in the oil industry and the County of Sacramento. Her professionalism and kindness made a lasting impact on her colleagues, who often praised her nails and cheerful personality, leading one to nickname her Betty Boop. The name stayed with her, and she spent her entire life collecting Betty Boop memorabilia.

 Leslie’s heart was full of love for her family. She is survived by her father, Lionel Fuqua, her brothers, Terry and Daryck Fuqua and her 11 nieces and nephews, her husband, Van, and her five children: Landon Taylor, Sr. (Michelle – daughter-in-law), Ismail Abu Imran (Ashanti – daughter-in-law)), Isa Imran (Natalia – daughter-in-law), Jonathan Taylor, and Celeste-June Taylor. Additionally, she was blessed to have 17 grandchildren: Landon Jr., Matthew, Tamra, Ranyah, Shahlah, Jaylani, Junayd, Imran (diseased), Isaiah, Layla, Bailey, Suraiya, Malik, Saara, Noor, Cree, and Justice. In addition, Leslie was great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren: Roman, Amoura, Hudson, and Nazanin. Her children and their children were her greatest joy and pride. She watched with immense happiness as her family flourished, particularly as she helped guide her daughter, Celeste-June, to graduate from Sacramento State University and secure acceptance into her graduate program in Social Work at Howard University.

 Her spirit lives on as her pallbearers, Ismail, Isa, Landon Sr., Jonathan, Landon Jr., Matthew, Isaiah, and Junayd carry it forward, embodying the profound legacy of love and strength she leaves behind.

 Leslie had many passions, especially traveling to enjoy family gatherings during the holidays. Some of her most cherished moments included getting her nails done with her daughter Celeste-June, relaxing and talking for hours on the back patio with her husband Van, traveling to help take care of her grandchildren, and spending quality time with her dear friend, Sonja Dinwiddie. During the pandemic, she also uncovered a new passion for gardening, finding solace and joy in nurturing her plants.

 One of her greatest achievements included overcoming cancer bravely—twice. This resilience, coupled with unwavering support for her family, solidified her as the cornerstone of their lives.

 Leslie C. Taylor will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. As we honor her memory, let us celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and the precious moments that bind us together and establish her legacy. 

 Her recent passing has left a void that will be deeply felt, but her legacy of care and compassion lives on. Please help us honor her with a donation to the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation In Memory of Leslie C. Taylor | https://www.scdfc.org/inmemoryofleslietaylor .